Strawberry Pretzel Salad

*This is NOT part of the healthy eating I've mentioned my last few posts* ;)
Back in high school, my BFF Whitney tried to convince me to try strawberry pretzel salad.  I thought she was crazy.  I told her it sounded terrible and I'd never try it!  Fast forward like 6-7 years, my mom made strawberry pretzel salad and she convinced me to try it.  One bite, and I was hooked!  It's probably towards the top of my top 5 list of favorite desserts!  If you've never had it, make it now!  You have no idea what you're missing.

This is the recipe I use from allrecipes.com.  The only changes I make are I use 2 C pretzels and 5 Tbsp sugar in the crust.  Not sure it would make much of a difference if you followed her recipe to a T.

HungryForChange

My mom sent me a link to a free internet video called Hungry For Change.  She said it was about 90 mins but really worth watching.  I thought I'd watch the 3 minute trailer and then decide for myself if I wanted to sit and watch it.  WOW!  I'm so glad I did!  Lately I've had these thoughts of eating natural, whole foods.  I know it would be better for me and my family, but I just feel overwhelmed not knowing where to start.  While I still don't have a how-to plan, I do have facts to back up why I need to be eating better!

*This video is only free to watch online until tomorrow, 3/31*
Here's the link to the website.  Watch the 3 minute trailer and decide if you're up for watching the 90 min video.  I had to do it after the kids went to bed. I'm hoping Kevin is off Saturday night and can watch the video.  I sent him a mile long text last night telling him how I was so impressed with this video.  I told him I'd like to, as a family, try this way of eating for 30 days and see how we feel and look and see if it's something we want to continue.  I have a feeling it will be... but I know we both need to be on board for it to fly!  (Kinda like we were about getting debt free!)

I did take notes during the video.... here are a few things I wrote down that I found interesting... (I have a whole page of notes!)

• MSG is in 80% of processed foods and it is disguised by 50 different names.
• The average American consumes 150lbs of sugar every year.  
• As a society we are over fed, but under nourished and starving to death.
• What we think of as "sugar" needs to be redefined.  Sugar is in our milk and our bread and everything we eat!
• "Fat" use to be the enemy, so now everything is "fat-free".  The real enemy is sugar.  When something says it's fat-free, that usual means it's loaded with sugar.

The website also gives you a 10 step action plan to follow.  If Kevin does want to do this as a family, I'll be looking up and sharing lots of info with you all in the near future :)

Sandwich Rounds

I've been feeling guilty for all the white bread I've eaten lately.  I don't like a lot of whole grain, whole wheat, all that weird stuff.  But, I thought I'd try to branch out and try some new things.  I bought these Natures Own Multi-Grain Sandwhich Rounds. 

I made my usual hot ham and cheese on them.  It was pretty fantastic!  It's a cross between bread and a bun.  Very light but filling.  And I don't feel so guilty for eating it!  (And yes, I've been serving lunch on paper plates so its one less meal I have to do dishes for!)

Juice Smoothie

Kevin came home from work last week raving about a drink a coworker had brought in.  He was telling me how healthy it was and he thought I'd really like it.  I had kind of forgotten about it, but I was looking at OJ in Walmart and these drinks were right next to them (in the refrigerated section).  I was debating between the strawberry banana and the berry blast.  Obviously I went with the berry blast and it's REALLY good!  In this container, there are 12 blackberries, 8 raspberries, 8 strawberries, 7 1/3 apples, and 1 banana!  It's a little pricey... $4.83 for this bottle, but I wouldn't chug a big glass of it.  I usually only give the kids milk or water, so I thought this is something I'd feel good about giving them occasionally (probably diluted because they won't know the difference - and I dilute everything!)  If you're looking for a healthy juice to drink, you need to try it!!!

Photo Shoot in the Backyard

I loved ALL these pictures of the kids!  It makes me really want to get a photo editing program!!!  Anyways, they had tons of fun blowing dandelions in the back yard last night.  :)  I want to be a kid again!

Matchbox cars in one hand, John Deer boots on with shorts, and not a worry in the world!

The first time Allie blew a dandelion. 

While I was putting ice on my back this afternoon, I heard Hayden in the kitchen (that's never good).  He came out announcing he was Chef Hayden and he made Allie a Chef too.  I can't lie... I thought it was pretty darn cute!!!

Easter Dress(es)

Every year I seem to think I need a new Easter dress.  I don't really buy many (if any) new dresses during the year, so I always look forward to finding *the* Easter dress.  Shopping was really starting to frustrate me.  I looked ridiculous in everything I tried on!  Amy suggested, at the same time I was thinking, that maybe I should just look for a non maternity dress that isn't fitted.  Seemed like a good idea but I wansn't having much luck finding something appropriate for Easter that wasn't fitted. 

Last Saturday when we went to Indy, we stopped in Terra Haute at the TJ Maxx.  My mom told me they have a good clothes selection so I was anxious to check it out.  I entered their dressing room with 7 potential dresses and left with 3!  I couldn't decide because I liked them all so well!  So, now all that's left is to find Hayden, Allie, & Kevin something to wear - and I usually don't have a problem with that :)

P.S. The reason I convinced myself I needed all three dresses was because I thought they would be good for Florida too!  Just hope they all still fit by then! :)

Stick Bouquets

Last week I was browsing my sister's fun/on top of it/creative/wonderful blog.  I happened to notice a stick bouquet she had made for a baby shower she threw for a coworker.  As I was looking at the pictures and cursing her (not really... ok maybe a little), I sent her a text telling her I was sooooo bummed she beat me to making these!!!  I few weeks ago I found this idea on a blog I read.  I thought they were so fun and would be a cheap addition to my decor at home.  I thought I was really going to wow everyone with how cute and crafty they were... snooze you lose I guess! 

However, I'm still happy with them and feel like they are blog worthy!  I made both bouquets for $6!!!  I got the vases at Goodwill for $1.99 each.  Kevin had the yellow spray paint and painted them for me (they were clear).  Me and the kids picked up sticks in the yard (and they had waaaay too much fun doing this).  Then while my mom was out running errands, I mentioned I was looking for some little yellow flowers I could cut apart.  She brought me some from Gordmans for $1.99!  They were perfect.  I actually LOVE how bright and springy these are!  If you're looking for a quick and cheap decorating idea, look no further!

April Fools Ideas

I'm not much of a jokester... the only April Fools I can remember doing was when I was one month from my due date with Hayden, I called Kevin at work and said "It's time!" He started freaking out and I said, "I meant it's time for you to come home from work!"  He didn't think it was nearly as funny as I did. 

Here are some fun April Fools jokes you can play on your family... (this is more up my alley!)
Meatloaf Cake iced with Mashed Potatoes

Tricky Taco Cups

Berry Soda

Kitty Litter Cake (serve with a pooper scooper!)

There are TONS and TONS of ideas online if you don't like any of these.  If you make anything fun be sure to let me know :)

Only When I'm Pregnant - Week 14

Very very boring week.  Because I felt like poo for half of the week, I didn't really do much.  I tried to do a little maternity shopping with my BFF Amy last week, but it was a flop (maybe because I let Amy drive to the mall because she didn't know Motherhood had moved, and I was trying to be a nice agreeable passenger and let her go where she wanted) because my belly isn't big enough for maternity.  I just look over weight and not pregnant.  I'm hoping in the next several weeks my belly pops out!

Cravings... I've had several.  Cheese is a big one.  Anything with cheese.  Mozzarella sticks, cottage cheese, eggs with cheese, chips and cheese and taco sauce, cheese curds from Culvers... I think you've got the picture!  I also had a major chocolate craving while walking through walmart and I ended up leaving with a pack of double stuffed E L Fudge cookies that only lasted 3 days.

I still haven't gotten out my maternity clothes yet.  After I had Hayden I stayed pretty hefty that whole summer so I have some bigger clothes that I've been wearing.  Everything is a size up from my regular stuff, but I'm glad I have these transition clothes!  I weighed myself this morning and it showed me up 6.5lbs.  I think I was up 7 or 8 last week, and I couldn't believe it was down, so I stepped on again and got the same number.  Hey, I'll take it!  What a positive way to start week 14!

That's how big Baby is this week!

Pain, Pain, Go Away

I had a great day this past Saturday!  My parents and me and the kids went to Indy to celebrate my Aunt Karen's birthday (Kevin worked till 6am Saturday, so he slept and didn't join the party!).  With our Florida trip fast approaching, I thought it would be good for the kids to get a days worth of driving in them!  We also made plans to have lunch with my BFF Candice, whom I've not seen since August of last year! 

Lunch was great.  Allie really loved Candice and she even said (yelled) her name many times.  The party was great too.  The kids got to play with cousins that they see usually just once a year.  The food was great (I maybe had two pieces of chocolate chip pie...).  The ride home...... not so great.  At the time it didn't seem too bad, but I knew my back was hurting as soon as I stood up (when I got home).  After both kids were in bed, I went straight to bed.  I woke up Sunday morning and hobbled into the kitchen to make breakfast.  I could barely sit and put my makeup on to get ready for church.  During church I had pain shooting through my hips, down into my legs.  I really felt like my back was broke!  I'd never ever had back pain quite like that in my life.  When I got home I laid with the heating  pad for hours.  I tried taking some extra strength Tylenol.  I tried some pain relieving creams.  I tried different stretches to loosen my back up.  Nothing was helping. 

After a 2nd night of sleeping horribly, I decided I'd call the doctor as soon as they opened.  In the meantime I thought I'd google some more things I could do to take the edge off the pain.  I did see wearing a back support may help.  Mine is packed away with maternity clothes, but I have a very tight fitting spanx knock off I put on.  I also saw that some people find relief with ice instead of heat (the heating pad did nothing for me the day before!)... so I got out an ice pack.  I sat on the couch for about on hour and felt like the sharp pains were more dull.  I stood up, did some dishes, felt more pain, and went and sat back down so I didn't over do it.  I probably had ice on my back for 10 hours yesterday, and it really did help!  I'm still not nearly 100%, but I'm trying to ease my way back into things that need done and not over due it.  So, the moral of the story is, I'm a lot more sympathetic to people with back pain than ever before.... and I'm also getting a bit nervous for our drive to Florida!  

Allie's 18 Month Pics

Ok, actually Allie was 19 months in these pictures... I just got behind in the month of February and didn't get around to making the appointment!  Hayden went along for the pictures too.... Here's some of my favorites :)

Time

I heard a great quote on KLOVE a couple weeks ago.  A pastor was talking about how we never have time to read our bibles, we never have time to pray, we never have time to ______; the list goes on and on.  He said, which I found profound, "You never have time, you take time."  It was an "ah ha" moment for me.  I use the excuse I don't have time about a hundred times a day... so I need to take time to do what's important, or it won't get done.

To follow up that quote, I was reading my Proverbs 31 email this morning written by Tracie Miles.  It was titled "When Time Keeps Slipping Away".  I'm just copied/pasted her thoughts, but if you aren't signed up to receive this free email daily, you should sign up!  I've been convicted about being more intentional on how I spend my time!

“Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:10, 12 (NLT)

Recently my family experienced an unexpected treat. For the first time in many months, we had the joy of a weekend with no obligations! No ballgames, no travel, no commitments—just unstructured time.
Savoring my coffee Monday morning, I thought about the laughter, conversations and relaxing moments. Each had brought a peaceful feeling over my spirit and reminded of how precious the gift of time is, yet how often I take it for granted.
For weeks my thoughts had been continually nudging me to do more, yet my heart had been whispering do less. At the same time I sensed Jesus calling me to rest, and spend more time with Him and my loved ones. But life had just been so busy, and other demands had screamed for my attention.
I realized how I had let time slip away without investing it wisely.
The Bible records the words of Moses, a man who understood the value of time. In Psalm 90, Moses recognizes the brevity of life, and the importance of making the most of the time we have been given.
Perhaps Moses wrote from a place of frustration. After all, he’d watched his entire generation wander aimlessly for 40 years because they didn’t trust God’s promises. They kept busy with jobs, chores and responsibilities. But they apparently spent more time grumbling than getting to know God better, or enjoying the blessings and people in their lives.
Many of us experience this same dilemma, wandering through daily routines and overbooked schedules. There’s little time left at the end of the day to spend with Jesus or those we love. Before we know it, the days turn into years and our hearts are no wiser. We get in a rut of grumbling about troubles and busyness, while ignoring the necessity of rest and the benefits of unstructured time.
I used to view “down time” as being unproductive. I would feel guilty for sitting down with a good book when the sink was full of dirty dishes, or snuggling with my children on the couch to watch a movie when I had errands to run or work to do.
Yet God designed rest because our hearts, minds, bodies and spirits need it. Slowing down and paying attention to what fills our day allows us to refocus and rest.
It gives us time to soak in His Word, have quiet prayer, and invest in our family. These are easy to disregard when life’s too busy. Even if we’re busy with good things, they may draw us away from what the Lord would have us do.
As we understand the brevity of life and value our time, we’ll gain a wise heart that seeks the Lord’s will. Let’s ask God to show us each day how He wants to fill the hours we are given. Whether He guides us to enjoy personal time, rest and relax, hang out with friends or family, study His Word, or enjoy some fun activities, if He is leading our choices, we’ll find peace, contentment, and joy.

Only When I'm Pregnant - Week 13

If you've read my earlier posts, you've seen that I've been cleaning up a storm!  I think it's safe to say my energy has finally come back!  I still have one, maybe two days a week that I feel tired @ 2pm, but I'm back to being productive during nap time!  My back has still been causing me problems.  Usually at night I'm so stiff I can't stand up straight, sit comfortably, or walk normally.  I know that's only going to get worse as the weeks go on (thanks to my tilted uterus). 

I'm really struggling with the sex of this baby!  I thought for sure I'd know by this point.  With Hayden, I had headaches, my gums bled a lot, and I wanted meat for every meal!  With Allie I never had one headache.  I was nauseous for 2-3 weeks, and wanted salads and fruit and LOTS of sugar (jello, snowcones, cookies, etc). This baby is really playing with my mind!  I've had nausea AND headaches.  I've craved meat AND sugar!  My gums have bled a few times too, but not nearly what they did when I was pregnant with Hayden.  I'm hoping I get a stronger feeling the farther along I get!

Some things I've craved this week:  Hardees sausage biscuit, lemonade, hot tamales & skittles

Non maternity top and capris :) 

Furminator

My sister recommended the "FURminator" to me last year.  Harry sheds quite a bit!  She showed me pictures of how much hair it removed from her cats.  I was really impressed!  Harry hates being brushed, but when I can get him cornered, he gets furminated!  Yesterday was the first time in awhile I took the time to brush him.  I need to do this more often. 

Harry wasn't happy I removed so much fur from his coat, but I was thrilled!

Aldi Finds

I've been wanting a new rug for our family room.  Nothing fancy, but something more neutral than the paisley brown/orange/red rug we had before.  It went well with our old couch and loveseat set, but didn't coordinate with the set we bought a year and a half ago.  I just couldn't stand spending $70+ on a plain rug!  I was doing my weekly grocery shopping at Aldi and by the registers I saw rugs for $19.99!  They look like a plain piece of carpet, but that's exactly what I was looking for!  They were 5'x7' and I couldn't remember what size I had at home, so I went home to measure to make sure it was the same size before I loaded one in my car.

Sure enough, it was the size I needed!  I went back that afternoon and bought one.  The kids thought it was the grandest purchase.  They danced, hopped, laid, and ran all over the rug.  Who knew they would be so excited about something so little!

I also found this little step stool at Aldi.  My mom has one like it, but green, and Hayden loves it!  I bought him one and it was just as big of a hit as the new rug.  It actually became the source of all kids of fights (b/c Hayden nor Allie wanted to share) so I went back and bought a 2nd stool (they were only $5.99).  Two great finds at Aldi!  I love their random house hold items!

Our St. Patrick's Day

Here's a few pics from our St. Patrick's Day :)

 I made a rainbow cake for after dinner.  Kevin was the biggest fan of the cake.  Hayden just ate the icing and Allie only ate the red/orange/yellow part of her cake.  Not sure what she had against the green/blue/purple!

Spring Cleaning

With Spring officially starting tomorrow, I've gone crazy doing Spring cleaning around my house!  I made a long to do list this past weekend and got a lot accomplished!  My house hadn't been cleaned, at all, in the last 2-3 months.  I rarely vacuumed, and the only toys that got picked up were what I had Hayden clean up.  You can use your imagination as to how bad my house looked! 

I started with some little projects... clean my junk drawer, put away the kids winter clothes, clean the toilets and tubs.  All that was day 1.  The next day I was brave and moved my couch, loveseat, ottoman, and chair to clean out the toys (and food crumbs and cat hair balls) that had been shoved under them.  It took a good hour to do that!  Then I cleaned my windows.  I had no idea how dirty they were until they got cleaned!  My kitchen window was the worst!  I've now become obsessed with Windex and cleaning every window and mirror in my house!  I've actually done it twice already!  I also cleaned out our "pantry" so I didn't have extra food sitting on my counter. 

Today has been pretty easy.  I did some general picking up and catching up on things I've needed to do (like write thank you notes I should have written a month ago!)  I reorganized my bookshelf, and put all our DVDs in little containers I found at the Dollar Tree.  I have storage space in my china cabinet that we don't use, so I moved the DVDs there.  I wiped down my cabinets and I'm going to wet mop my floors after the kids go to bed this evening. 

Still on my to-do list, I want to clear out some of the kids toys!  I'd love to get rid of 1/2 of the toys that are invading our house.  I don't know how we accumulate so much.  I will probably buy a container and put some out in the garage so I can rotate what they have, but I'm going to get rid of at least 1 trash bag full.  I also REALLY want to go through my closet and take out things that I don't wear.  I don't know why I have a hard time getting rid of clothes I don't wear, but I do!  I keep thinking I'll wear them one day and a year passes and I still haven't worn them.  Time to purge!  Those are the two big things lingering that I need to get done.  I may start on the toys today, but I don't want to over due things with my back acting the way it has been.  Hope you all get time to clean and refresh your home this Spring!

March's Mid Month Update

Outside my window . . .it's dark, but warm!

I am thinking . . .about what to make for a family dinner I'm hosting next Tuesday.  Kevin wants rib-eyes, and I don't know if I want to spend that much money on meat! 

I am thankful for . . . my DOK class.  I have learned SO much about myself since I started going 7 months ago.  It has truly been such a blessing in my life, and so have all the people I've met!

In the kitchen . . .I have a counter top buried somewhere underneath all the "stuff " on my counter!  It's really bad.... Really.

I am wearing . . . Some jean shorts that I'm hoping fit another few weeks, and a black tshirt.  All of it is my regular clothes (which makes me really happy!)

I am creating . . .a baby?  Ha, ok I really don't have a good answer for this one...

I am going . . .to start Spring cleaning on Friday!  I'm so pumped about it!  I started today by cleaning out my car and I feel a million times better about it.  On my list:  Hayden's room, Allie's room, the hall closet, the hall bathroom, and my closet!  Wish me luck!  Goodwill is going to be getting a big donation from the Devines!  (Kevin will be getting a list too!  Cleaning out the garage and barn are top on his list!)

I am wondering . . .how long all 4 of us are going to have this cold!  Runny noses/stuffy noses/coughs/sore throats.  Blah!

I am reading . . . Finding the Hero in Your Husband.  The book started a little slow for me, but the last few chapters I've read have really made an impact on me!  There are so many things I can be doing better in my marriage!  Maybe I will devote a whole posting to those thoughts this week!

I am hoping . . .my computer doesn't die this week.  There are some days it won't even turn on.  (Which is my only excuse for the slow blog postings!) It kills me to think about spending several hundreds of dollars on another one. 

I am looking forward to . . .fishing again!  Kevin, Hayden, & I went on Tuesday and we had so much fun!  We might go again this weekend!  Just for the record, I caught 2, and Kevin caught 1!  I have pictures to prove it :)

I am hearing . . .Silence, and it's lovely!

Around the house . . . The grass is turning green and flowers are blooming!  Hello Spring!

One of my favorite things . . . is when Hayden tells me "You're the best Mommy".  He's been saying it at least once a day!  I don't ever want him to grow up!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Clean, grocery shop, menu plan, bake a festive cake for St. Patrick's Day, read, and snuggle my babies! 

Only When I'm Pregnant - Week 12

This week marks the end of my first trimester!  I can't believe how fast 12 weeks have gone by!  I'm sure with the summer ahead, the last 6 months will fly by.  I had a check up with Dr. Cave on Monday and everything went well.  It took a couple minutes of trying, but she finally found the heartbeat.  I think she was going to let me leave having not heard it, but she finally found it her last try!  From my appointment in February till last Monday, I had only gained 1 lb!  That's a record low for me!  It also puts my total weight gain to 8lbs.  My next appointment won't be for 7 weeks.  At that appointment in May, we'll have another ultrasound and I'm already looking forward to it!

Another interesting thing I found out at my appointment is my uterus is tilted back.  I guess that's the reason behind all the severe back pain I've been having.  It started early with Allie too, so I'm familiar with it.  I bought some Tylenol this week.  I hate hate hate taking medicine, but some days I know I will have to just so I can function.  Ah, the joys of pregnancy!

This week, I also made it official on Facebook that we were expecting.  I wanted to get that 12 week appointment behind me.  I knew once I hit that marker, the risk of miscarriage was less than 1%, and I felt comfortable letting the world know :)

The only low for the week was I had a MAJOR craving for a virgin strawberry daiquiri from Cheeseburger In Paradise.  They are so so so good!!!  I talked Kevin into going to get me one and he came out empty handed - their machine broke the night before!  I seriously almost cried.  Hoping for no major break downs before my next pregnancy entry (and hoping I get that daiquiri before then too!).

Puppy Chow -- Now!!

Okay so "Now" in the title just refers to how bad I want puppy chow!  I have a problem... a serious problem when I make this powdery little snack.  I don't stop eating it until I'm sick at my stomach or until it's all gone.  My sister sent me a Pinterest link for puppy chow cookies (which looked marvelous) several days ago but I was craving the real thing.  I had my 12 week check up on Monday and I promised myself I wouldn't make the puppy chow until AFTER my appointment.  (Knowing I have to weigh in makes me not want to pig out before I step on a scale!) 

Here's the recipe I use...
Puppy Chow:
9 C Rice Chex
1 C semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 C peanut butter
1/4 C butter
1/4tsp vanilla
powdered sugar

Pour cereal in a large bowl.  Set aside.  Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in microwavable bowl.  Microwave 90 seconds or until smooth, stirring after 1 minute.  Stir in vanilla.

Pour chocolate mixture over cereal, stirring until all the pieces are evenly coated.  (It's really important to make sure the chocolate is evenly dispersed!) *Then pour cereal mixture into a large re-sealable plastic bag with powdered sugar.  Seal tightly and shake until all is coated.  Keep in a tightly covered container.

*One thing I do different than the recipe, I skip the plastic bag step.  I put my powered sugar into my container and shake it in that!  The kids loooove helping shake it and they think they've really done something big when they help me in the kitchen! 

GCB

When I say I never watch tv, I'm really not exaggerating.  I never have it on.  I've gotten out of the habit of watching any shows I ever watched.  My mom was telling me about a contestant on American Idol this year, and I was curious to see her.  I thought I'd tune in to the results show after the kids went to bed.  I channel surfed, watched basketball, and couldn't find American Idol anywhere.  I texted my mom and asked when the show came on and she told me I'd already missed it.  I was sitting pretty comfy on the couch, and the basketball was boring me, so I thought I'd see if I could find anything else on worth watching.  I ran across a rerun of episode 1 of GCB.  It's on ABC (channel 25 for people that don't have cable!).  I thought it was hilarious!!!  It's about these rich women that claim to be Christian.  They are very involved in their church and have it out to ruin the life of an old acquaintance who just moved back into town.  This lady made their lives miserable when they were all in high school, all their husbands liked her (and some still do), and now these women think they are better than her because they are rich and Christian.  Maybe I didn't describe it well, and it's definitely not a show for the kiddos, but it's pretty humerous listening to how they justify getting boob jobs, why stealing store credits for Neiman Marcus is ok, etc.  The show comes on Sundays at 9pm.  This past Sunday was episode #2.  It's a good example of how not to be - definitely worth checking out for a good laugh or two :)

1st Sewing Project

Back in December I found an adorable shirt while thrifting.  It had both arm pits ripped out along the stitch line, but my mom said it would be easy to sew.  I loved the bright colors and the fact it was a "wrinkle free" shirt, so for $2.50 I couldn't pas it up!

Last night I sewed up the pits.  I didn't take any pictures of my stitches because they weren't the greatest, but once it's on you can't tell!  I'm so excited to wear this shirt!  Its one of the few shirts I have that isn't maternity, but still fits (and I'm hoping it fits another month or so)!

Okay, so the best part about this shirt... after I fixed it and tried it on, I kept thinking, "Man, this feels like a nice shirt!  I wonder what stores sell this brand because I need to go buy more!"  (And I'm a HUGE fan of things I don't have to iron).  The brand is FoxCroft.  I googled it and stores like Nordstroms came up in my search!  These shirts sell for $70-80 new!  I can't believe I got it for $2.50!!!  This has inspired me to go thrifting again... this week! 

Pineapple Corer

I've had a Pampered Chef pineapple corer for a good year and a half and have never used it.  No reason why other than I forget I have it.  I bought a pineapple yesterday and I had been looking at it thinking I needed to cut it up, but didn't really want to.... then I remembered I had my pineapple corer!  I couldn't remember exactly how to use it, but I cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple and all the sides.  Note to self, you aren't supposed to cut off the sides!  My pineapple slices were much more consistent, but I lost a lot of juice in the coring process.  Maybe that wouldn't have happened if I hadn't cut the sides off... I will try it one more time, the right way next time, and see if I like it any better. 

Lots of wasted juice

Allie kept herself entertained while I was cutting the pineapple by playing in trash cabinet!